Does Acts 8:1-2 imply that Saul was a member of the San Hedrin?
I believe that Saul was not married. But, some claim that Saul to be a member of the San Hedrin in order to prove that he was married before, additionally, this verse tells us that he approved the stoning of Stephen. Now how could one, not being a member of the San Hedrin and be in a position to "APPROVE" (CEV) ("CONSENTING"-KJV) someone's capital punishment?
Acts 8:1 - 2
ESV - 1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.
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Asked March 31 2014
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Arun Kumar
Supporter
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Sung Park
Supporter
While Paul was definitely trained as a Pharisee, this verse does not necessarily imply that he was a member of the Sanhedrin. If you read Acts 7:54-60, "the council" which probably refers to Sanhedrin, after hearing Stephen's testimony, reacts with rage and decides to stone him instantly without any approval from others. Verse 58 describes Saul being present at the scene and watching the garments of the people casting stones. He was working closely with the council as their henchmen (Acts 9:1-2) and even getting approval directly from the high priest himself but, again this does not necessitate that Saul was sitting in the council as single person. Saul's approval in Acts 8:1-2 can be read as his approval or pleasure in seeing "justice" carried out on Stephen, after the stoning was done.
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